U.S. patent application number 11/948474 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-04 for systems for filtering particles from an airflow.
This patent application is currently assigned to HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.. Invention is credited to Larry K. Ball, Todd A. Kincheloe, James S. Roundy.
Application Number | 20090139191 11/948474 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40674348 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090139191 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roundy; James S. ; et
al. |
June 4, 2009 |
SYSTEMS FOR FILTERING PARTICLES FROM AN AIRFLOW
Abstract
Systems for filtering particles from an airflow are provided. In
an embodiment, by way of example only, the system includes a
chamber, an airflow and particle inlet, a concentrator, a first
outlet, and a second outlet. The airflow and particle inlet is
adapted to direct at least a portion of the airflow and the
particles into the chamber. The concentrator is adapted to
concentrate the particles from the airflow and particle inlet into
a space within the chamber. The first outlet is in flow
communication with the concentrator and adapted to allow the
concentrated particles to exit the system, while minimizing an
amount of air exiting therefrom. The second outlet is in flow
communication with the chamber and is adapted to allow
substantially all of the airflow to exit therethrough.
Inventors: |
Roundy; James S.; (Gilbert,
AZ) ; Ball; Larry K.; (Chandler, AZ) ;
Kincheloe; Todd A.; (Mesa, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
101 COLUMBIA ROAD, P O BOX 2245
MORRISTOWN
NJ
07962-2245
US
|
Assignee: |
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL,
INC.
Morristown
NJ
|
Family ID: |
40674348 |
Appl. No.: |
11/948474 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
55/392 ;
55/466 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 55/14 20130101;
F05D 2260/607 20130101; Y02T 50/675 20130101; F02C 7/052 20130101;
Y02T 50/60 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
55/392 ;
55/466 |
International
Class: |
B01D 46/42 20060101
B01D046/42 |
Claims
1. A system for filtering particles from an airflow, comprising: a
chamber; an airflow and particle inlet adapted to direct at least a
portion of the airflow and the particles into the chamber; a
concentrator adapted to concentrate the particles from the airflow
and particle inlet into a space within the chamber; a first outlet
in flow communication with the concentrator and adapted to allow
the concentrated particles to exit the system; and a second outlet
in flow communication with the chamber, the second outlet adapted
to allow substantially all of the airflow to exit therethrough.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the airflow and particle inlet is
adapted to direct the airflow and the particles into a center of
the chamber.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the airflow and particle inlet
comprises a particle accelerator adapted to accelerate a speed of
the particles into the chamber.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the concentrator is adapted to
funnel the particles into the space within the chamber.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first outlet has a diameter
and the second outlet has a diameter that is larger than the
diameter of the first outlet.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the second outlet further
comprises a particle separator adapted to separate the airflow from
the particles, to allow the particles to flow around the particle
separator, and to allow the airflow to flow through the particle
separator.
7. A system for filtering particles from an airflow, comprising: a
chamber; an inlet tube having at least a portion extending into the
chamber, the inlet tube portion having a hole through which the
airflow and the particles flow into the chamber; a funnel aligned
with the inlet tube hole to receive the particles therefrom; a
first outlet in flow communication with the funnel to provide an
exit from the system for the particles; and a second outlet in flow
communication with the chamber, the second outlet adapted to allow
substantially all of the airflow to exit therethrough.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the inlet tube has a length and a
decreasing cross-sectional flow area along the length.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the inlet tube hole and the first
outlet are substantially aligned with each other.
10. The system of claim 7, wherein the inlet tube hole and the
first outlet are offset from each other by a distance.
11. The system of claim 7, wherein the first outlet has a diameter
and the second outlet has a diameter that is greater than the
diameter of the first outlet.
12. The system of claim 7, wherein the first outlet has a diameter
and the second outlet has a diameter that is between twenty and
twenty-five times greater than the diameter of the first
outlet.
13. A system for filtering particles from an airflow, comprising: a
chamber having an inlet opening and a funnel, the inlet opening
configured to allow the airflow and the particles to flow into the
chamber, and the funnel adapted to receive the particles from the
inlet opening; a first outlet in flow communication with the funnel
to provide an exit for the particles from the system; and an outlet
tube disposed at least partially within the chamber having an inlet
end and an outlet end, the inlet end having a shield and at least
one aperture, the shield substantially aligned with the inlet
opening and positioned on the inlet end to cause air from the
airflow from the inlet opening to flow therearound and into the at
least one aperture, and the outlet end having a second outlet
adapted to allow substantially all of the airflow to exit
therethrough.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the shield of the outlet tube
has a flat surface, and the flat surface is substantially aligned
with the chamber inlet opening.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein the shield of the outlet tube
has a curved surface, and the curved surface is substantially
aligned with the chamber inlet opening.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein the shield surrounds the at
least one aperture of the outlet tube inlet end.
17. The system of claim 13, wherein the first outlet has a diameter
and the second outlet has a diameter that is greater than the
diameter of the first outlet.
18. The system of claim 13, wherein the first outlet has a diameter
and the second outlet has a diameter that is between twenty and
twenty-five times greater than the diameter of the first
outlet.
19. The system of claim 13, wherein the first outlet is
substantially aligned with the inlet opening.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The inventive subject matter generally relates to turbine
engines, and more particularly relates to systems for filtering
particles from an airflow of a turbine engine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Gas turbine engines may be used to power aircraft and may
include a fan section, a compressor section, a combustor section, a
turbine section, and an exhaust section. The fan section is
positioned at the front, or "inlet" section of the engine, and
includes a fan that induces air from the surrounding environment
into the engine. The fan section accelerates a fraction of the air
toward the compressor section. The remaining fraction of air is
accelerated into and through a bypass plenum, and out the exhaust
section. The compressor section raises the pressure of the air it
receives from the fan section to a relatively high level. The
compressed air then enters the combustor section, where a ring of
fuel nozzles injects a steady stream of fuel into the air. The
injected fuel is ignited by a burner, which significantly increases
the energy of the compressed air. The high-energy compressed air
then flows into and through the turbine section, causing
rotationally mounted turbine blades to rotate and generate energy.
The air exiting the turbine section is exhausted from the engine
via the exhaust section, and the energy remaining in this exhaust
air aids the thrust generated by the air flowing through the bypass
plenum.
[0003] Many gas turbine engines, such as the above-described
turbofan gas turbine engine, selectively bleed air from the
compressor section for the operation of aircraft systems that may
be at least partially pneumatically operated. For example, the
bleed air may be diverted to a starter control system that may
include pneumatically-operated components, such as valves and/or
regulators. At times, the bleed air may contain various particles,
dirt, or other contaminants. To prevent or minimize particle
buildup in the aircraft system, filters have been used upstream of
the pneumatically-operated components. Conventionally, porous
filters consisting of wire mesh or sintered powdered metal have
been used within a flowpath of the bleed air. However, porous
filters have limited life due to pore clogging. Additionally,
porous filters may have mesh sizes that are larger than the size of
some of the bleed air particles, and thus, may not be as effective
as desired in filtering out these particles.
[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to have an improved system for
filtering particles from an airflow. In addition, it is desirable
for the system to be capable of being retrofitted into currently
existing engines or aircraft. Furthermore, other desirable features
and characteristics of the inventive subject matter will become
apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the inventive
subject matter and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings and this background of the inventive
subject matter.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] Systems for filtering particles from an airflow are
provided.
[0006] In an embodiment, by way of example only, the system
includes a chamber, an airflow and particle inlet, a concentrator,
a first outlet, and a second outlet. The airflow and particle inlet
is adapted to direct at least a portion of the airflow and the
particles into the chamber. The concentrator is adapted to
concentrate the particles from the airflow and particle inlet into
a space within the chamber. The first outlet is in flow
communication with the concentrator and adapted to allow the
concentrated particles to exit the system. The second outlet is in
flow communication with the chamber and is adapted to allow
substantially all of the airflow to exit therethrough.
[0007] In another embodiment, by way of example only, a system
includes a chamber, an inlet tube, a funnel, a first outlet, and a
second outlet. The inlet tube has at least a portion extending into
the chamber, and the inlet tube portion has a hole through which
the airflow and the particles flow into the chamber. The funnel is
aligned with the inlet tube hole to receive the particles
therefrom. The first outlet is in flow communication with the
funnel to provide an exit from the system for the particles. The
second outlet is in flow communication with the chamber and is
adapted to allow substantially all of the airflow to exit
therethrough.
[0008] In still another embodiment, by way of example only, a
system includes a chamber, a first outlet, and an outlet tube. The
chamber has an inlet opening and a funnel, where the inlet opening
is configured to allow the airflow and the particles to flow into
the chamber, and the funnel is adapted to receive the particles
from the inlet opening. The first outlet is in flow communication
with the funnel to provide an exit for the particles from the
system. The outlet tube is disposed at least partially within the
chamber and has an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end has a
shield and at least one aperture and is substantially aligned with
the inlet opening and positioned on the inlet end to cause air from
the airflow from the inlet opening to flow therearound and into the
at least one aperture. The outlet end has a second outlet adapted
to allow substantially all of the airflow to exit therethrough.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The inventive subject matter will hereinafter be described
in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like
numerals denote like elements, and
[0010] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic of a pneumatic control
valve system, according to an embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a filtering
system, according to an embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a filtering
system, according to another embodiment; and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a filtering
system, according to still another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit the inventive subject matter or
the application and uses of the inventive subject matter.
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory
presented in the preceding background or the following detailed
description.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic of a pneumatic control
valve system 100, according to an embodiment. The system 100 is
configured to control airflow through a main duct 102 that connects
a compressed air source 104 and a component 106. In an embodiment,
the compressed air source may be air from an auxiliary power unit,
bleed air from a compressor stage of a gas turbine engine, or a gas
turbine ground power cart. The component 106 may be an air turbine
starter, an environment control system, or any other
pneumatically-operated engine component of an aircraft system.
[0016] Airflow is controlled through the main duct 102 via a valve
108. The valve 108 may be a butterfly valve, a poppet valve or any
other valve capable of regulating the airflow through the main duct
102 by opening and closing in response to commands from one or more
control components. In an embodiment, the valve 108 may be
controlled by a solenoid 110 and by pneumatically-controlled
components, such as a reference pressure regulator 111, a rate
control servo 112 and/or an actuator 114. In other embodiments, the
valve 108 may be controlled by additional components.
[0017] During operation of the system 100, a portion of the airflow
from the main duct 102 may be diverted into the reference pressure
regulator 111 by a reference pressure line 113. The reference
pressure line 113 may be a duct, pipe, or other component for
direction airflow to the reference pressure regulator 111 that
extends from the main duct 102. In an embodiment, the reference
pressure line 113 may receive air downstream from the compressed
air source 104. In another embodiment, shown in phantom, the
reference pressure line 113 may receive air from a location closer
to the compressed air source 104. The reference pressure regulator
111 may be configured to respond to air pressure from the airflow
so that if the air pressure is above a threshold value, a valve 115
closes to prevent air from flowing past the valve 115. In an
embodiment, the threshold value may be between about 10 psi and
about 400 psi. The valve 115 may be any type of valve capable of
controlling air flow. If the air pressure is below the threshold
valve, the airflow may then flow to a first line 116. In other
embodiments, the system 100 may not include the reference pressure
regulator 111 and may alternatively flow air directly to the first
line 116. In any case, the first line 116 may be in flow
communication with a second line 118, which may provide air to the
rate control servo 112 and the actuator 114. The lines 116, 118 may
be ducts, pipes, or other components for directing airflow. In an
embodiment, airflow between the first and second lines 116, 118 may
be controlled by the solenoid 110. In particular, the solenoid 110
may be configured to operate a valve mechanism 120 that is disposed
between the first and second lines 116, 118, and adapted to control
passage of air therebetween. Although the valve mechanism 120 is
shown as a ball valve, any other type of valve capable of
controlling airflow may alternatively be employed. When the
solenoid 110 is energized via an energy source (not shown), it
opens the valve mechanism 120 to allow the air to pass therethrough
and to travel to the second line 118.
[0018] The second line 118 may be in flow communication with the
actuator 114 via a third line 122. The third line 122 may be a
duct, a pipe, or other component capable of directing airflow. To
regulate a rate at which the airflow is provided to the actuator
114, the rate control servo 112 is disposed therebetween. In an
embodiment, the rate control servo 112 responds to air pressure
from the airflow so that if the air pressure is above a first
threshold value, a valve 124 closes to prevent air from flowing to
the actuator 114. In an embodiment, the threshold value may be
between about 10 psi and about 50 psi. The valve 124 may be any
type of valve capable of controlling air flow. The first threshold
value of the rate control servo 112 may be controlled by a
compensator 126. In any case, if the air pressure is below a second
threshold value, it flows through the third line 122 to a piston
130. In an embodiment, the second threshold value may be between
about 10 psi and about 30 psi and may or may not be equal to the
first threshold value. In response to the air pressure, the piston
130 causes the actuator 114 to move and to thereby supply torque to
the valve 108 in a desired direction and at a desired rate.
[0019] To increase a useful life of the system 100, one or more
filtering systems 132 (shown in phantom) may be implemented
therein. The filtering systems 132 may be configured to filter
particles out of the airflow before it is used by one or more
components of the pneumatic control valve system 100. In an
embodiment, the filtering system 132 is configured to filter
relatively large particles (e.g., particles having an average
diameter larger than about 50 microns), while allowing smaller
particles to flow through the system. In this regard, the filtering
system 132 treats the large particles by gathering and
concentrating the particles into a space and then directing them
out of the system 132.
[0020] The filtering system 132 may be disposed at any one of
numerous locations upstream of the actuator 114. In an embodiment,
a filtering system 132 is disposed in communication with the main
duct 102 upstream from the reference pressure regulator 111. For
example, the filtering system 132 may be positioned upstream from
the reference pressure line 113 (the embodiment of which is shown
in phantom) or may be disposed in the reference pressure line 113.
In another embodiment, a filtering system 132 may be positioned
downstream from the reference pressure regulator 111, but upstream
from the solenoid 110. In this regard, the filtering system 132 may
be positioned in another duct 134 upstream from the main duct 102,
may be disposed in the reference pressure line 113 downstream of
the reference pressure regulator 111, or may be disposed in the
first line 116. In another embodiment, a filtering system 132 is
disposed in the second line 118 between the solenoid 110 and the
rate control servo 112. In still another embodiment, the filtering
system 132 may be disposed in the third line 122 between the rate
control servo 112 and the actuator 114.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a filtering system 200,
according to an embodiment. The filtering system 200 may be a
fitting formed from a single, integral piece, or may be an assembly
made of multiple pieces (as shown in FIG. 2). In an embodiment, the
filtering system 200 may be adapted to be implemented between two
or more ducts or pipes. In another embodiment, the filtering system
200 may be disposed in a duct or pipe.
[0022] The filtering system 200 may include a chamber 204, an
airflow and particle inlet 202, a concentrator 206, a first outlet
208, and a second outlet 210. The chamber 204 may be defined at
least partially by inner surfaces 212, 214 of housings 216, 218,
220 made of steel, aluminum, or other conventional aircraft
component material. In an embodiment, three housings (e.g., a first
housing 216, a second housing 218, and an outer housing 220) may
make up the chamber 204. For example, in one configuration, the
outer housing 220 may have walls 226 that define a cavity 222
within which the first housing 216 may be disposed. The first
housing 216 may have an outer surface 224 that may or may not
contact the cavity walls 226. The second housing 218 may be coupled
to the outer housing 220 to partially enclose the cavity 222. In
other embodiments, more or fewer housings may be employed to make
up the chamber 204. In still other embodiments, the chamber 204 may
be formed from a single piece. Moreover, although each housing is
shown as a separate component, any may alternatively be part of an
already-existing, larger component. For example, the second housing
218 may be part of a portion of a bleed assembly (not shown), such
as a duct including a bleed orifice.
[0023] To prevent unwanted air leakage, o-ring seals 228, 230 may
be disposed between the first housing 216 and the outer housing
220, in an embodiment. Although two o-ring seals 228, 230 are
shown, fewer or more may alternatively be included. In another
embodiment, the second housing 218 and the outer housing 220 may be
coupled together via threading 232, 234. In other embodiments, the
second housing 218 and the outer housing 220 may be adhered to each
other with an adhesive to form a leak-tight seal therebetween. In
any case, a shim or spring 236 may be disposed between the first
and the second housings 216, 218 so that each may be appropriately
positioned relative to the outer housing 220.
[0024] The airflow and particle inlet 202 is adapted to receive air
from the compressed air source 104 (FIG. 1) and to direct at least
a portion of the air and any particles that may be carried
therewith, into the chamber 204. In this regard, the airflow and
particle inlet 202 may have any one of numerous embodiments
suitable for receiving and directing air. For example, the airflow
and particle inlet 202 may include an opening 242 into the chamber
204. In an embodiment, the opening 242 may be formed in the outer
housing 220 and may have a circular, ovular, rectangular, or other
suitable cross-sectional flow area shape. In another embodiment,
the airflow and particle inlet 202 may be adapted to direct the
airflow and particles into a middle of the chamber 204 and may
include, in addition to the opening 242, an inlet tube 244 that has
a portion that extends into the chamber 204.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the inlet tube 244 may be a separate
piece from the first housing 216 and may be press fit, brazed, or
otherwise attached thereto. In other embodiments, the inlet tube
244 may be integrally formed as part of the first housing 216 or
outer housing 220. In any case, the inlet tube 244 may be made of
steel, aluminum, or another material, and may or may not be made of
the same material as other surround components (e.g., any of the
housings 216, 218, or 220). In an embodiment, the inlet tube 244
may be relatively thin-walled, having walls with a thickness of
between about 0.5 mm and about 1.0 mm. Alternatively, the walls may
be thicker or thinner, in other embodiments. Although the inlet
tube 244 is shown as being straight in FIG. 2, it may have another
configuration in other embodiments. For example, the inlet tube 244
may be spiral, curved, or have one or more bends therein.
[0026] No matter the particular configuration, the inlet tube 244
includes an inlet end hole 246 and an outlet end hole 250. The
inlet end hole 246 is disposed such that substantially all of the
air from the opening 242 enters the hole 246. In an embodiment, the
inlet end hole 246 may be disposed flush with the opening 242. In
another embodiment, the two may be spaced a distance apart from
each other. For example, the inlet end hole 246 and opening 242 may
be between about 5 and about 50 mm apart from each other. The inlet
end hole 246 may have a diameter that is substantially equal to
that of the opening 242. In an embodiment, the diameter of the
inlet end hole 246 may be between about 5 mm and about 10 mm. In
other embodiments, the diameter of the inlet end hole 246 may be
larger or smaller than the opening 242. The outlet end hole 250 is
configured to allow the airflow and the particles to flow from the
inlet tube 244 into the chamber 204.
[0027] The airflow and particle inlet 202 may include a particle
accelerator 248 (shown in phantom). The particle accelerator 248
may be adapted to accelerate the speed of the particles (and the
air that carries the particles) as it travels through the airflow
and particle inlet 202 into the chamber 204 to increase the
momentum of the particles. In an embodiment, the particle
accelerator 248 may be adapted to increase the speed of the
particles by about 40 m/s. In another embodiment, the particles may
be accelerated to a speed of about 120 m/s.
[0028] The particle accelerator 248 may be formed as part of the
inlet tube 244, in an embodiment. For example, the inlet tube 244
may have a decreasing cross-sectional flow area along its length so
that the diameter of the outlet end hole 250 is smaller than the
inlet end hole 246. In an embodiment, the outlet end hole 250 may
have a diameter of between about 6.0 mm and about 15.0 mm, while
the inlet end hole 246 may have a diameter of between about 10.0 mm
and about 15.0 mm. In another embodiment, the outlet end hole 250
may be bewteen about 0.5 and about 1.0 times smaller than the inlet
end hole 246. In an example, in a configuration in which the inlet
tube 244 is straight, the tube 244 may have an inner surface 254
that is tapered to form a nozzle. In other embodiments, the
particle accelerator 248 may be a separate component that is
attached to or otherwise extends from a component of the airflow
and particle inlet 202, such as the inlet tube 244.
[0029] The accelerated particles and air may be directed into the
concentrator 206 and the second outlet 210, respectively. The
concentrator 206 is adapted to concentrate at least a portion of
the particles from the airflow and particle inlet 202 into a space
within the chamber 204 and thus, may be disposed to receive the
particles from the airflow and particle inlet 202. To enhance
operation, the concentrator 206 and the airflow and particle inlet
202 may be disposed such that gravitational forces aid the
particles in dropping into the concentrator 206. In an embodiment,
the concentrator 206 may be disposed to receive accelerated
particles having a momentum that prevents the particles from
following the airflow around the inlet tube 244 in order to return
to the chamber 204 or to flow to the second outlet 210.
[0030] In an embodiment, the concentrator 206 may be adapted to
funnel the particles into the chamber space. In this regard, the
concentrator 206 may include a funnel 258 or have a funnel-shaped
surface. The funnel 258 may be aligned to receive particles from
the airflow and particle inlet 202 and may have an inlet diameter
that is greater than an outlet diameter. In an embodiment, the
inlet diameter may be between about 10.0 mm and about 20.0 mm,
while the outlet diameter may be between about 0.5 mm and about 1.0
mm. In another embodiment, the inlet diameter may be about 10 times
larger than the outlet diameter. Additionally, the outlet diameter
may be appropriately sized to ensure that particularly-sized
particles may be expelled from the system 200. The funnel 258 may
be made up of a funnel-shaped portion of the inner surface 214 of
the second housing 218, in an embodiment. In another embodiment,
the funnel 258 may be a separate piece that is disposed within the
chamber 204.
[0031] The particles collected by the concentrator 206 may be
diverted into the first outlet 208. The first outlet 208 is
disposed in flow communication with the concentrator 206 and
adapted to provide an exit for the particles from the filtering
system 200. In an embodiment, the first outlet 208 may include a
portion having a diameter that is suitable for receiving the
particles, but also for minimizing an amount of air from escaping
therefrom. In some embodiments, the diameter of the first outlet
208 may be substantially equal to the outlet diameter of the funnel
258. In other embodiments, the diameter of the first outlet 208 may
be larger or smaller than the outlet diameter of the funnel 258. In
an example, the first outlet 208 may have a diameter of between
about 0.5 mm and about 1.0 mm. The diameter may be larger or
smaller in other embodiments and may depend on the size and shapes
of the particles desired to be expelled.
[0032] The first outlet 208 may be an opening formed through the
second housing 218. In an embodiment, as mentioned above, the
second housing 218 may be part of a bleed assembly, such as a
component having a bleed orifice (also known as an honest orifice).
In such case, the opening making up the first outlet 208 may be the
bleed orifice. In another embodiment, the opening may be formed as
part of a channel 260 extending through the second housing 218 from
the funnel 258. The channel 260, if included, may have a uniform
diameter along its length, or may have a varying diameter. For
example, the diameter of the channel 260 may be between about 0.5
mm and about 10.0 mm.
[0033] The first outlet 208 may be substantially aligned with the
airflow and particle inlet 202. In one example, the first outlet
208 is substantially aligned with the outlet end hole 250 of the
inlet tube 244. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, which
depicts another embodiment of the system 300, the first outlet 308
may not be aligned with the airflow and particle inlet 302. For
example, the first outlet 308 may be adapted to receive particles
from a funnel 304 that communicates with an outlet end hole 312 of
a tapered inlet tube 314, but may a center axis 313 of the first
outlet 308 may be offset from a center axis 315 of the airflow and
particle inlet 302 by a distance 310 of between about 4.0 mm and
about 10.0 mm. In other embodiments, the offset distance 310 may be
greater or smaller.
[0034] Returning to FIG. 2, as briefly mentioned above, the second
outlet 210 is in flow communication with the chamber 204 and is
adapted to allow substantially all of the airflow to exit through
the second outlet 210 with minimal particles flowing therethrough.
In this regard, the second outlet 210 may be disposed in a
particular portion of the chamber 204 and/or may have a particular
configuration. In an embodiment, in order to ensure that a majority
of the particles desired to be filtered do not travel into the
second outlet 210, the second outlet 210 may be positioned such
that air from the airflow and particles inlet 202 or outlet end
hole 250 of the inlet tube 244 makes about a 180 degree turn into a
flowpath leading to the second outlet 210. For example, the second
outlet 210 may be positioned in a section of the chamber 204 that
may not be aligned with the airflow and particle inlet 202. In
another example, the second outlet 210 may be disposed between the
airflow and particle inlet 202 and the concentrator 206. In still
another example, the second outlet 210 may be disposed at a
position between the airflow and particle inlet 202 and the funnel
258. In still yet another example, the second outlet 210 may be
positioned between the outlet end hole 250 and the funnel 258.
[0035] The second outlet 210 may include an outlet port 262, in an
embodiment. The outlet port 262 may be formed through the outer
housing 220 and/or the first housing 216 and may have a length. In
any case, to ensure that the airflow preferentially exits the
system 200 via the second outlet 210, rather than through the first
outlet 208, at least a portion of the second outlet 210 (such as a
portion of the outlet port 262) may have a diameter that is greater
than that of the first outlet 208. In an embodiment, the diameter
of the second outlet 210 may be between about twenty (20) to
twenty-five (25) times larger than the diameter of the first outlet
208. For example, if the first outlet 208 has a diameter of between
about 0.5 mm and about 1.0 mm, the second outlet 210 may have a
diameter of between about 5.0 mm and about 20.0 mm.
[0036] Thus, by concentrating particles of a particular size into a
space, either by accelerating the particles toward the space with
the particle accelerator 248 or by using gravitational forces to
act on the particles through the use of the funnel 258, the
particles may be gathered to thereby be directed out of the system
200. Moreover, as mentioned above, with the second outlet 210
having a diameter that is sized larger than that of the first
outlet 208 and, in some embodiments, the first outlet 308 not being
aligned with the airflow and particle inlet 302, a minimal amount
of air escapes with the particles through the first outlet 208,
308. Instead, the airflow preferentially exits via the second
outlet 210.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another filtering system
400 that may be used to filter particles from an airflow, according
to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the filtering system 400
may be a fitting formed from a single, integral piece, or may be an
assembly made of multiple pieces (as shown in FIG. 4). In an
embodiment, the filtering system 400 may be adapted to be
implemented between two ducts or pipes. In another embodiment, the
filtering system 400 may be disposed in a duct or pipe.
[0038] The filtering system 400 may include a chamber 404, an
airflow and particle inlet 402, a concentrator 406, a first outlet
408, a particle separator 409, and a second outlet 410. In an
embodiment, the chamber 404 may be defined at least partially by
inner surfaces 412, 414 of housings 416, 418 made of steel,
aluminum, or other conventional aircraft component materials. In an
embodiment, two housing 416, 418 make up the chamber 404. In this
regard, the inner surface 412 of a first housing 416 may define a
portion of the chamber 404, while the inner surface 414 of a second
housing 418 may define another portion of the chamber 404. The
first and second housings 416, 418 may be attached to each other to
partially enclose the chamber 404. Although two housings 416, 418
are shown in FIG. 4, more or fewer may alternatively be included.
For example, the chamber 404 may be formed in an integral piece.
Moreover, although each housing is shown as a separate component,
any may alternatively be part of an already-existing, larger
component. For example, the second housing 418 may be part of a
portion of a bleed assembly (not shown), such as a duct including a
bleed orifice.
[0039] To prevent unwanted air leakage, o-ring seals 420, 422 may
be disposed between the first housing 416 and the second housing
418. Although two o-ring seals 420, 422 are shown, fewer or more
may alternatively be included. In other embodiments, the housings
416, 418 may be adhered to each other with adhesive to form a
leak-tight seal therebetween.
[0040] The airflow and particle inlet 402 is adapted to receive air
from the compressed air source 104 (FIG. 1) and to direct at least
a portion of the airflow and any particles that may be carried
therewith, into the chamber 404. In an embodiment, the airflow and
particle inlet 402 may include an opening 424 into the chamber 404.
The opening 424 may be formed in the first housing 416, in an
embodiment, and may have a circular, ovular, rectangular, or other
suitable cross-sectional flow area shape. In an embodiment, the
opening 424 may have a diameter that is between about 5.0 mm and
about 10.0 mm. In other embodiments, the opening 424 may be larger
or smaller. Although not shown in FIG. 4, in another embodiment,
the airflow and particle inlet 402 may include, in addition or in
an alternative to the opening 424, an inlet tube that extends into
the chamber 404, which may or may not be integrally formed as part
of the first housing 416.
[0041] The particles and air from the airflow and particle inlet
402 are directed toward the concentrator 406, the first outlet 408,
the particle separator 409, and the second outlet 410. The
concentrator 406 is adapted to concentrate the particles from the
airflow and particle inlet 402 into a space within the chamber 404
and thus, may be disposed to receive the particles from the airflow
and particle inlet 402. In an embodiment, the concentrator 406 and
the airflow and particle inlet 402 may be disposed such that
gravitational forces aid the particles in dropping into the
concentrator 406.
[0042] In an embodiment, the concentrator 406 may be adapted to
funnel the particles into the chamber space. For example, the
concentrator 406 may include a funnel 426 or funnel-shaped surface.
The funnel 426 may be aligned to receive particles from the airflow
and particle inlet 402 and may be made up of a funnel-shaped
portion of the inner surface 414 of the second housing 418, in an
embodiment. In another embodiment, the funnel 426 may be a separate
piece that is placed in a desired portion of the chamber 404. In
any case, the funnel 426 may have an inlet diameter that is greater
than an outlet diameter. Additionally, the outlet diameter may be
appropriately sized to ensure that particularly-sized particles may
be expelled from the system 400. The inlet diameter may be between
about 25.0 mm and about 50.0 mm, while the outlet diameter may be
between about 0.5 and about 1.0 mm. In another embodiment, the
inlet diameter may be about twenty-five (25) times larger than the
outlet diameter.
[0043] The particles collected by the concentrator 406 may be
diverted into the first outlet 408. The first outlet 408 is
disposed in flow communication with the concentrator 406 and
adapted to allow the concentrated particles to exit the filtering
system 400. In an embodiment, the first outlet 408 may include a
portion having a diameter that is suitable for receiving the
particles, but also for minimizing an amount of air from escaping
therefrom. In some embodiments, the diameter of the first outlet
408 may be substantially equal to the outlet diameter of the funnel
426. In other embodiments, the diameter of the first outlet 408 may
be larger or smaller than the outlet diameter of the funnel 426. In
an example, the first outlet 408 may have a diameter of between
about 0.5 mm and about 2.0 mm. The diameter may be larger or
smaller in other embodiments and may depend on the size and shapes
of the particles desired to be expelled.
[0044] The first outlet 408 may be an opening formed through the
second housing 418. In an embodiment, as mentioned above, the
second housing 418 may be part of a bleed assembly, such as a
component having a bleed orifice (also known as an honest orifice).
In such case, the opening making up the first outlet 408 may be the
bleed orifice. In another embodiment, the opening may formed as
part of a channel 428 extending through the second housing 418 from
the funnel 426. The channel 428, if included, may have a uniform
diameter along its length, or may have a varying diameter. For
example, the diameter of the channel 428 may be between about 0.5
mm and about 1.0 mm.
[0045] The first outlet 408 may be substantially aligned with the
airflow and particle inlet 402. In one example, the first outlet
408 may not be aligned with the airflow and particle inlet 402.
[0046] Before the particles enter the concentrator 406, they may be
separated from the airflow by a particle separator 409. The
particle separator 409 is adapted to allow the particles to flow
therearound, and to allow the air to flow therethrough. In an
embodiment, the particle separator 409 may include an outlet tube
462, a shield 464, and at least one aperture 466. The outlet tube
462 may extend at least partially into the chamber 404 from the
second housing 418 and may be made of steel, aluminum, or another
material, and may be relatively thin-walled. For example, the
outlet tube 462 may have walls with a thickness of between about
0.4 mm and about 1.0 mm. Although outlet tube 462 is shown as
having a single bend 476 in other embodiments, the outlet tube 462
alternatively have more than one bend. In still other embodiments,
the outlet tube 462 may be spiral-shaped, or may be straight.
[0047] In an embodiment, the outlet tube 462 includes an inlet end
468 and an outlet end 470. The inlet end 468 may be substantially
aligned with the airflow and particle inlet 402 and may include the
shield 464 and the apertures 466 thereon. In an embodiment, the
shield 464 may be formed of steel, aluminum, plastic, or any other
material conventionally used for aircraft components. The shield
464 may have a flange 472 that is inserted into an opening (not
shown) formed on the inlet end 468. The flange 472 may be press
fit, brazed, or otherwise attached to the inlet end 468. In any
case, the shield 464 may be configured to allow air to flow around
the outlet tube 462. In this regard, the shield 464 may have at
least one flat surface that is substantially in alignment with the
airflow and particle inlet 402. The flat surface may be
substantially perpendicular to the airflow from the airflow and
particle inlet 402. In another embodiment, the flat surface may
make up part of a V-shaped component. In an alternative embodiment,
the shield 464 may have a curved surface. In another embodiment,
the shield 464 may be configured to surround at least a portion of
the inlet end 468 around at least a portion of the apertures 466.
For example, the shield 464 may extend between about 2.0 mm and
about 10.0 mm past the apertures 466.
[0048] The apertures 466 receive the air that flows around the
shield 464. Although seven apertures are shown in FIG. 4, more or
fewer may alternatively be employed in other embodiments. The
apertures 466 may each have a diameter that is between about 0.4 mm
and about 1.0 mm. In an embodiment, the apertures 466 may
collectively have a flow area that is larger than a flow area of
the first outlet 406. For example, the apertures 466 may have a
flow area that is between about 1 to about 1.5 times larger than
the flow area of the first outlet 406.
[0049] The outlet end 470 of the outlet tube 462 is attached to the
second housing 418. In an embodiment, the outlet end 470 may be
integrally formed as part of the second housing 418. In another
embodiment, the outlet end 470 may be a separate component and may
be inserted into a passage in the second housing 418. In such case,
the outlet end 470 may be press fit, brazed, or otherwise attached
to the second housing 418. To provide fluid communication between
the outlet tube 462 and the second outlet 410, an opening 474 may
be formed in the outlet end 470. The opening 474 may also provide
communication with a housing passage 478 that may be formed in the
second housing 418. In an embodiment, the opening 474 may have a
diameter of between about 5.0 mm and about 10.0 mm. In other
embodiments, the diameter of the opening 474 may be larger or
smaller.
[0050] In any case, to ensure that air preferentially escapes from
the second outlet 410, at least a portion of the second outlet 410
may have a diameter that is greater than that of the first outlet
408. In an embodiment, the diameter of the second outlet 410 may be
between about 10 and 20 times larger than the diameter of the first
outlet 208. For example, the second outlet 410 may be between about
5.0 mm and about 10.0 mm.
[0051] Improved systems for filtering particles in an airflow have
now been provided. The filtering systems described above may be
capable of removing more particles from an airflow than other
conventional systems, with a minimal amount of air leakage from the
system. The systems may achieve these improvements through the
inclusion of a concentrator. In some embodiments, the improvements
may be achieved through the inclusion of a particle separator.
Although the above-described embodiments show the particle
separator as being implemented in one embodiment, it may
alternatively be included in both embodiments. Additionally, the
filtering systems may be retrofitted into currently existing
engines or aircraft.
[0052] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented
in the foregoing detailed description of the inventive subject
matter, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations
exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment
or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to
limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the inventive
subject matter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed
description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient
road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the inventive
subject matter. It being understood that various changes may be
made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an
exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the
inventive subject matter as set forth in the appended claims.
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